The Ombudsman for Banking Services and Investments says seven big banks including Bank of Nova Scotia, Bank of Montreal, and CIBC, have committed to remain part of its consumer dispute-resolution process through fiscal 2013.

At the same time, new banks including Merrill Lynch International have joined OBSI for the first time, bringing the number of banks that voluntarily participate to a record of 60.

Two of Canada’s biggest banks — Royal Bank of Canada and Toronto-Dominion Bank — pulled out in the past couple of years after disputes with OBSI.

However, participation is mandatory for dealers and asset managers — including those owned by Canada’s biggest banks — that are members of the investment dealer or mutual fund industry self-regulatory agency.

With the evolution of the lithium-ion battery and pending availability of an affordable electric vehicle, we decided it was a good time to produce a Ubika Battery Metals Index, comprised of 10 lithium and 10 cobalt companies.

Almost Done!

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.

Postmedia wants to improve your reading experience as well as share the best deals and promotions from our advertisers with you. The information below will be used to optimize the content and make ads across the network more relevant to you. You can always change the information you share with us by editing your profile.

By clicking "Create Account", I hearby grant permission to Postmedia to use my account information to create my account.

I also accept and agree to be bound by Postmedia's Terms and Conditions with respect to my use of the Site and I have read and understand Postmedia's Privacy Statement. I consent to the collection, use, maintenance, and disclosure of my information in accordance with the Postmedia's Privacy Policy.